Capturing the Full Benefits of Bifacial Modules to Approach an LCOE of 3 cent/kWh through a Regional Optimization of the Electrical Architecture

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Bifacial photovoltaic modules can yield efficiency gains, but the solar industry has been unable to accurately quantify the benefits of these modules at the system level, leading to uncertain cost estimates and lower adoption rates for solar energy systems that need financing. This project seeks to validate existing performance models for bifacial modules and quantify the impacts of system location, tracker height, module technology, and system architecture on bifacial efficiency gains and the projected levelized cost of energy (LCOE). This project aims to improve investor confidence by providing new data on bifacial system performance gains across the United States and will validate a holistic system architecture that allows system integrators to meet or exceed the LCOE target of $.03 per kilowatt-hour by 2030.